Mexico Travel Warning Affects Cruise Itineraries?

As of January 11, the US State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory for 5 states within Mexico because of crime. Level 4 is the most severe advisory, labeled “Do Not Travel.”

In general, Mexico remains under Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory due to cartel activities, including carjacking, robbery, kidnappings, even homicide. However, the level was recently elevated to Level 4 in 5 states because of increased turf wars, cartel activity, homicides, and related crimes. 11 other Mexican states are under Level 3 advisory.

4 of the 5 states under Level 4 advisory are on Mexico’s west coast. One of the states, Sinaloa, is home to Mazatlan, a cruise port frequented by liners. The 5th state, Tamaulipas, borders Texas at the most southern tip.

Image: Mazatlan (Mexico Riviera)

A number of cruise lines have ships operating itineraries which visit Mazatlan, including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. None of the cruise lines have yet announced whether or not they intend to continue visiting the Mazatlan port now that the advisory has been heightened.

Despite the widespread increase in crime, the Mexican Tourism Board insists the most popular tourist spots in the country are safe.